Florida Group Sues Florida DOH Over Threats Against TV Stations

A Florida group behind a ballot initiative seeking to limit the state’s interference in abortions has sued Florida Department of Health officials for threatening TV stations airing the group’s campaign ads (see 241008056). “The state of Florida’s crusade against Amendment 4 is unconstitutional government interference – full stop,” said Lauren Brenzel, Campaign Director for Floridians Defending Freedom’s campaign in favor of Amendment 4, which would bar the state from restricting abortions. Ads for Amendment 4 were the focus of recent letters from the Florida Department of Health threatening legal actions against the stations airing them, including prosecution as a public health nuisance. “The State cannot coerce television stations into removing political speech from the airwaves in an attempt to keep their abortion ban in place,” said Brenzel in a news release. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida against Florida DOH head Joseph Lapado and former Florida DOH General Counsel John Wilson, seeks an injunction barring the state from threats or coercion against broadcasters. It also seeks injunctions barring enforcement action against Floridians Defending Freedom, punitive and monetary damages, and attorneys fees. The Florida DOH and NAB didn’t comment.